South Melbourne Hellas have qualified for the final of the Dockerty Cup after a late 2-1 victory over rivals Alexander Heidelberg United at Jack Edwards Reserve in Oakleigh on Wednesday night.
Alexander would strike first, but Nick Epifano’s brace would see Hellas complete the come from behind victory.
Looking to come out of the slump Hellas have found themselves in over the last few weeks, Chris Taylor’s side began the brightest, creating numerous chances from the off.
Milos Lujic was in the mood, and combined well with Tim Mala to earn a corner in the first few minutes.
The pair combined well again on the half hour mark, with Lujic’s header over the bar from point blank range in a bread-and-butter chance for the number 9.
Hellas continued to press, but were caught on the counter as Heidelberg took the lead.
Kaine Sheppard was played onside by a trailing Michael Eagar, as Daniel Heffernan played the striker through.
Sheppard took the strike in full-stride, beating the oncoming Nikola Roganovic with a deft finish into the right side of the net.
Going behind, South sprung in to life as they looked for an immediate response.
David Stirton had that chance after Epifano’s cross found the midfielder through a sea of legs in the 6 yard box, the effort blazing over the bar from close range.
Half-time came as United continued to lead into the break.
An uneventful first period of the second half was put on its head after a courageous same from Roganovic to deny Heffernan at close range.
After dropping his initial catch, Roganovic was down quickly at the boots of Heffernan to thwart any second effort.
Moments after, Epifano would have his first of the evening, as he bundled in a cross at the back post.
The winger brought the ball down quickly with a good first touch, smashing it home with his second to the delight of the boisterous South fans.
Almost ten minutes following his first, Epifano had a second thanks to a penalty given late on in the 86th minute mark.
David Stirton was relieved of his penalty duties following a late missed spot-kick against Melbourne Knights on Sunday, as Epifano stepped up, sending Griffin McMaster the wrong way in cool fashion.
Alexander threw bodies forward with late free-kicks and throw-ins, but South Melbourne Hellas were not to be denied, as they ran out victors and now find themselves in the Dockerty Cup final.
Hellas will face the winner of this evening’s other Dockerty Cup semi final between Oakleigh and Hume City.
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